Permeable  Block Paving

Do You Care About Future Sustainablity?

Permeable Block Paving – Way of the Future

Had enough of puddles on your driveway?

Well , installing permeable block paving is environmentally friendly, and will ensure surface water can drain down through your driveway.

Block paving manufacturers have come under pressure in recent years.

The loss of garden areas to driveways, has put a big strain on public drainage systems in many areas.

(Read this on driveway sustainability)

The outcome of this has put pressure on manufacturers to to develop permeable paving choices which support the environment. 

In terms of block paving  this translates into – Permeable paving ‘systems’.

These have been developed using blocks that have serrated edges that allow water to drain down through the gaps between blocks.

But that’s just part of it.

A suitable sub base installation is the number one factor that determines an effective drainage system. And laying a permeable block paving system requires different sub base materials. 

Permeable Block Paving – Sub base?

Generally, aggregate (stone) called MOT Type 1 is used in sub-base construction for driveways. This aggregate measures from a few millimetres to 500mm.

However, due to smaller particles filling gaps water drainage to substrate (the ground underneath a sub base) can get blocked.

And this causes problems including:

• Water sitting underneath a driveway causing weakness.
• Issues replenishing the water table which is a major environmental concern in many areas.

In contrast, the sub base for a permeable driveway uses different  aggregate….details below. 

IMPORTANT: Before considering a permeable block paving installation – Always check suitability in the first instance!

Permeable Block Paving – Suitability

Is your home suitable for the installation of a permeable block paving system?

Is the proposed surface already used as a driveway?

Will the driveway be used for domestic (non commercial) use only?

Will water from surrounding areas drain onto the proposed new permeable paving area?

Will water from roofing areas drain onto the proposed new permeable paving area?

What year was your property built?

Do electric and gas service run underneath the proposed area?

Are any tree roots within immediate vicinity of proposed area?

Will the proposed new permeable paving area fall away (slope away) from your house? 

These questions form the basis of suitability and determine whether to proceed, or not.

Permeable Block Paving – Installation

On the basis that suitability is fine in terms of aggregate:

• Use crushed stone (20mm) that has well defined edges and is not rounded.
• Install to depth of 200mm.
• Compact consistently.
• Use 6mm clean crushed stone to depth of 50mm.
• Compact.
• Lay suitable block paving such as Bradstone’s Infilta

It’s advisable to pay attention to laying patterns suggested by manufacturers.

Permeable Block paving is a welcome step in the right direction in time of pressing environmental concerns.

Have you considering opting for a permeable paving solution? Have you already had a permeable block paving driveway installed?

Let us know about your experiences!

Find an installer with experience of permeable paving installation.

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